Medical Assistant Schools in Watertown, South Dakota

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Medical Assistant programs in Watertown, South Dakota can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Medical assistant Schools Near Watertown, South Dakota

#1

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD 2.9 miles away

Lake Area Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Watertown, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#2

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD 44.9 miles away

South Dakota State University is a Public, 4-year in Brookings, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#3

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD 74.7 miles away

Northern State University is a Public, 4-year in Aberdeen, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#4

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN 75.3 miles away

Southwest Minnesota State University is a Public, 4-year in Marshall, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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#5

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Granite Falls, MN 78.2 miles away

Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Granite Falls, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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#6

Mitchell Technical College

Mitchell, SD 94.1 miles away

Mitchell Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Mitchell, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#7

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, SD 94.5 miles away

Southeast Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Sioux Falls, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#8

University of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD 97.4 miles away

University of Sioux Falls is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Sioux Falls, SD. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

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#9

Augustana University

Sioux Falls, SD 97.8 miles away

Augustana University is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Sioux Falls, SD serving about 1,818 students and accredited by Higher Learning Commission. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SD.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $39,190
  • Out-of-state tuition: $39,190
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#10

Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN 102.9 miles away

Ridgewater College is a Public, 2-year in Willmar, MN. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MN.

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Comparing Medical Assistant Schools Near Watertown

There are 10 schools within 103 miles of Watertown.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Lake Area Technical College2.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
South Dakota State University44.9 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Northern State University74.7 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Southwest Minnesota State University75.3 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Minnesota West Community and Technical College78.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Mitchell Technical College94.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Southeast Technical College94.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
University of Sioux Falls97.4 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Augustana University97.8 mi$39,190N/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Ridgewater College102.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Medical Assistant Salary in South Dakota

Entry-level medical assistants in South Dakota earn around $31,450 per year. The median salary is $39,350, which is 11.0% below the national median of $44,200. Top earners make up to $47,840 per year.

South Dakota vs. National Medical Assistant Wages
MetricSouth DakotaNational
Median salary$39,350$44,200
Average salary$40,190$44,720
25th percentile$36,130$37,610
75th percentile$44,550$48,160
90th percentile$47,840$57,830

South Dakota employs approximately 1,170 medical assistants (2.6 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.50).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook

12.5% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 811,000 to 912,200 jobs nationwide. About 112,300 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In South Dakota, the concentration of medical assistants is lower than the national average (location quotient: 0.50), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do medical assistants make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for medical assistants in South Dakota is $39,350. Wages range from $31,450 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $47,840 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many medical assistant schools are near Watertown?

There are 58 Medical Assistant schools within commuting distance of Watertown. The closest is Lake Area Technical College, approximately 2.9 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for medical assistants?

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12.5% from 2024 to 2034. About 112,300 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does medical assistant training cost near Watertown?

Annual tuition for medical assistant programs near Watertown ranges from $5,195 to $39,190. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a medical assistant in demand in South Dakota?

Demand for medical assistants in South Dakota is lower than average compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.50. The state employs 2.6 medical assistants per 1,000 workers.